The last few season tickets for 2013-14 were sold in the morning – that’s 20,000 snapped up – and that was followed by a record turnout that included a healthy following from Nottingham.

Two goals from substitute Rudy Gestede and an opener from Heidar Helguson, left Forest, who had Darius Henderson sent off just before half-time, shellshocked.

And to heighten the delight among the home faithful, news of Peterborough’s win against Watford at London Road also filtered around the ground..

Far too often over so many seasons Cardiff have blown golden chances when they come along, particularly over the last four or five years.

This squad, though, has a tough group mentality, a calmness, desire and intensity which picks them out from the rest at Championship level. They are the best team at this level by a long way. That table doesn’t lie.

The Bluebirds want the title, of course they do, but Mackay would only say: “Let’s work on making sure of promotion first.”

Forest arrived in Cardiff having secured a top-six place after an unbeaten run of 10 matches.

Manager Billy Davies had them flying, but here they hit the ground with a real bump.

And it was a personal victory for Mackay, who got his tactics spot on.

The Scottish boss has made mistakes this season, every manager does, but the key has been keeping those mistakes to a minimum.

Mackay and his scouts clearly spotted a potential weak link in the Forest back five where the visitors can look ponderous at times through the middle and don’t match up when it comes to the physical side.

Greg Halford is an experienced defender who is good on the ball, but he didn’t fare well against Icelandic warrior Heidar Helguson, whose ability and tenacity in the air and on the ground gave Halford a torrid time.

By the time Halford went off injured in the second half Helguson had scored his goal, a far-post header from Craig Bellamy’s cross that saw him lose his marker and nod into the net from close range.

Forest tried to hit back, but were rocked again when striker Darius Henderson challenged Helguson for a high ball and threw out an arm.

It didn’t look malicious, but both managers, Mackay and Davies, agreed it was a red-card offence.

Helguson went off with a tight calf at half-time, but Forest’s pain was far from over.

Frenchman Gestede went on and headed two goals to complete a decisive, one-sided victory which had home fans dancing in delight.

There could have been more as City swept to an emphatic victory.

Substitute Craig Noone hit the inside of a post and Forest keeper Karl Darlow, who was in Newport County’s team during a loan spell last season, found himself under pressure and made good saves from Kim Bo-Kyung and Bellamy before Leon Barnett flashed a header wide.

Cardiff have now produced four consecutive team performances of a high standard, against Blackburn, Watford, Barnsley and Forest.

They showed all sides of their character in that run. City are superbly organised at the back – four clean sheets in their last six games – and defend as a team.

Mackay’s team also have an attacking style which, when they hit their rhythm, is tough for any Championship opposition to handle.

Captain Bellamy had a hand in all three City goals against Forest, while there were plenty of big performances with Helguson and Gestede adding some delicious finishing touches with their heads.

But the player who stood out over the 90 minutes was Kim, a South Korean international whose ability picks him out as a major Bluebirds player for the future.

Kim signed a three-year contract when he joined City this season and the £2m fee paid looks an absolute bargain. He has such balance, a technique which gives him a creative edge Bluebirds fans have yearned for all season.

Jordon Mutch and Aron Gunnarsson, too, were outstanding, but Kim is a joy to watch.

He’s going to be a massive hit at Premier level. I simply can’t see City slipping up now.

Club history and that April 16 date surely decrees this is the time for Mackay’s men to take their place among the elite.